back (one or oneself) into a corner
1. To force one into a difficult or unpleasant situation that one cannot easily resolve or escape. My boss really backed me into a corner when he asked me to fire the CEO's daughter. Scott has been backed into a corner with this mortgage payment that he cannot afford. The senator's opponent backed him into a corner during the debate, forcing him to take back several things he'd already said.
2. To put oneself into such a situation. I really backed myself into a corner when I agreed to go to two events on the same night. You really backed yourself into a corner by leaving this essay till the last minute, huh? Why did you agree to go if you didn't really want to? You've backed yourself into a corner now.
back (someone or something) up to (something)
1. To abut something. Our house backs up to a beautiful park. I can't believe your vacation home backs up to the ocean! Wow! Our condo backs up to a lovely walking trail.
2. To move or maneuver someone or something backwards to something else. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "back" and "up." Can you help me? I'm having a hard time backing up to the door. Tom helped me back the truck up to the door. Back the forklift up to this pallet next.
back and fill
1. To move a ship's sails in an alternating fashion to accommodate the wind in a narrow channel. We need to back and fill the sails in order to pass through this channel. A: "Sir, it looks too narrow?" B: "No, we'll be OK—we'll back and fill." Back and fill the sails, men, just like that!
2. To be indecisive. You need to make a decision and stick to it—quit backing and filling! Come on, don't back and fill any longer. Pick a paint color so we can finally get this renovation wrapped up. A: "Have they picked a candidate for the job yet?" B: "Nope, they're still backing and filling."
back away
1. To move slowly and carefully away from something or someone. Kids, back away from the expensive vase! If you encounter a grizzly bear, back away slowly while talking in a normal tone. I'd back away from that growling dog if I were you!
2. To retreat on a particular idea or course of action. I think that Marie is backing away from the contract now. Management seems to be backing away from that initiative. Please tell me that town council is backing away from these ridiculous parking fines.
back down
To retreat from a particular idea or course of action, often in a conflict. I refuse to back down—this law must be passed, in the interest of public safety. The bully backed down after all of my friends came with me to confront him. The mayor's a blustering fool—I'm sure you could get him to back down with a minimal amount of pressure.
back in
To move or maneuver (a vehicle) backwards into a parking space. Can you help me? I'm having a hard time backing in, so tell me when I get close to that pole. The parking lot will be chaos when the concert's over, so I want to back in so I can pull right out. Aunt Louise is trying to back in? With that big car? Hoo boy, that'll take half an hour at least!
back into (someone or something)
1. To move or maneuver something backwards into something else. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "back" and "into." Can you help me? I'm having a hard time backing into this parking space. Ugh, I can't believe I backed my car into that pole. The parking lot will be chaos when the concert's over, so I want to back into a space so I can pull right out.
2. To bump into or strike someone or something while moving backwards. Oops, I didn't mean to back into you—didn't see you there! Ugh, I spilled my coffee all over myself when that jerk backed into me! Hey, watch where you're going! You almost backed into me!
3. In sports, to secure a position in the postseason due to the loss of another team, as opposed to the victory of one's own. The team had suffered four straight losses at the end of the season, but thanks to the poor performance of their division rivals, they ended up backing into the playoffs anyway. I don't care if they back into the playoffs—as long as they make it, that's all that matters. If the Rangers lose today, we could still back into the playoffs, so let's try to be optimistic!
back off
1. expression Go away! Stop bothering me! Back off! I told you I'm not going to the dance, and that's it! You need to back off, buddy. I've told you I'm not interested. I was so impressed when Tracy stepped right up to the man and told him to back off.
2. verb To retreat on a particular idea or course of action. Your aggressive approach is starting to annoy people—you need to back off a bit. Management seems to be backing off that initiative, at least for now. Please tell me that town council is backing off implementing those ridiculous parking fines.
3. verb To cause someone to retreat on a particular idea or course of action. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "back" and "off." Can you please back your minions off? They're harassing me. You're friends with people in management, right? Any chance you can back them off that initiative? Yeah, right, like I could back Mom off even if I wanted to. You're grounded, bro—deal with it.
4. verb To move backward away from something. Back off that other runner so you don't collide with her. Ugh, I wish that guy would just back off—I hate being tailgated by other drivers. Hey, everyone, back off the person in front of you. The line is looking all bunched up.
5. verb To move backward past the edge of something. If he's not careful, he's going to back off that narrow step. A: "How's my parking?" B: "You just need to back off the curb and you're good." The cat was so startled by that squirrel that she backed right off the porch.
back onto (something)
1. To move or maneuver something backwards onto something else. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "back" and "onto." Ugh, I can't believe I backed my car onto the lawn. Oops, I didn't mean to back my chair onto your coat. Uh oh, that's a bad sound. Somebody must have backed the forklift onto something in the warehouse.
2. To move or maneuver backwards, standing or resting on top of something else as a result. Did I really back onto your lawn? Whoops! A: "Did I just back onto the curb?" B: "Yeah, you're really not great at parking, are you?" Watch where you're going—you almost backed onto my flowers!
back out (of something)
1. To withdraw from or renege on something, such as a given commitment, promise, plan, or situation. She was considered a strong contender to win the local election, but she backed out at the last minute and continued working as CEO of her company. John was so nervous that he decided to back out of the marriage on the morning of his wedding. Come on, you can't back out now! Who will emcee the charity auction?
2. To move out (of something or some place) in reverse. Go slowly as you back out of the driveway. I backed out of the room when I realized Mom and Dad were in the middle of an argument. We'll both lift one side of the table to get it out of the kitchen. You back out, and I'll direct you as I walk forward.
3. To cause, guide, or direct someone or something to move out (of something or some place) in reverse. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "back" and "out." Would you mind backing the car out of this parking spot for me? The police officer backed us out of the office before we could ask the senator any questions. Please be careful when you're backing the boat out of the trailer! I just had it painted, and I don't want to get any scratches on it.
back the right horse
To support or select from numerous options a person or thing that becomes or proves to be successful. I still can't believe that I backed the right horse for Best Actress—her victory was such a long shot! Guys, do you even know the sexist history of the company you're so ardently defending? Are you sure you're backing the right horse here? It seems we backed the right horse after all—look at how much money we've earned from those stocks!
back the wrong horse
To support a person or an effort that ultimately proves to be unsuccessful, problematic, troublesome, or incorrect. A reference to betting on horse races. You really backed the wrong horse when you picked that swimmer to win the race—he didn't even get a medal! Politicians who backed the wrong horse in the election are now trying to curry favor with the winning candidate—without much success. Guys, do you even know the sexist history of the company you're so ardently defending? If you ask me, you're backing the wrong horse here.
back up
1. verb To move backwards. This phrase is commonly used to refer to maneuvering a car in reverse. Back up, you're standing too close to me! If you back up a little, then your car will be completely in that parking space. Don't back up or you'll step on Mom's flower bed.
2. verb To save copies of computer files in another place, in case the original files become inaccessible. If you didn't back up your files before the computer crashed, they may be lost forever. Of course I've backed up my thesis in various places. I'm not losing 100 pages of work at this stage! I hadn't backed up my data in a while, and my computer just crashed, so I'm totally panicking right now.
3. verb To become clogged and impassable. I'm calling the plumber right now because the toilet is backed up again. Traffic is totally backed up, due to all that construction. They only have two cashiers for some reason, so the checkout line is all backed up.
4. verb To return to an item previously mentioned. Whoa, back up—Janet and Jim are getting married? Back up just a minute there, missy. You failed your Chemistry test? A: "Oh man, it's been crazy here today. Michael got fired, the last issue had all kinds of printing errors—" B: "I'm sorry, back up—Michael got fired?"
5. verb To support or assist someone. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "back" and "up." You didn't see that meeting on the calendar, either? OK, please back me up on this, so the boss doesn't think I'm an idiot. You have to back up what I say to Mom so she believes it really was an accident, got it? Of course Jana backed her up—those two are besties.
6. noun An alternate to be used if it becomes necessary for some reason, typically the failure, ineffectiveness, or the absence of the original. The phrase is typically written as one word. I brought an extra pen as a backup, in case this one runs out of ink during the exam. I hope Tony asks me to the prom, but, if not, I have my best friend Bill as a backup. Do you have a backup in mind if that class fills up before you can register?
7. adjective Available for use as an alternate if it becomes necessary for some reason, typically the failure, ineffectiveness, or the absence of the original. The phrase is typically written as one word. I brought three backup pens, in case this one runs out of ink during the exam. I'm the backup quarterback, but I still have to know all the plays in case I get in the game. I hope Tony asks me to the prom, but, if not, I have my best friend Bill as a backup date.
8. adjective Appearing in the background in support of a main act or performer. The phrase is typically written as one word. She's auditioning backup dancers for her world tour today. I'm not anyone's backup singer, honey—I'm a star! I can't believe Jennifer Lopez got her start as a backup dancer on TV.
back up and punt
informal To consider, devise, or undertake a drastically different course of action in an attempt to resolve an undesirable or untenable situation. In American football, a team on offense will commonly punt the ball on their fourth and final down, after other offensive plays have not been successful. I know your strategy didn't go according to plan, but don't despair—back up and punt. Come up with something better. Changing our business model so drastically wasn't something we would have considered a year ago, but this global disaster forced us to back up and punt if we wanted to have any hope of keeping our company open. The CEO doesn't want to hear it, but we have to back up and punt before this failed launch bankrupts us.
back water
To reverse direction suddenly, as on an opinion or stance on some subject. Refers to nautical terminology in which the oars of a ship or boat are reversed in the water so as to halt or change the course of the vessel. With public pressure mounting, the government is expected to back water on the new legislation. They're politicians—of course they backed water on their campaign promises to help the average person. Come on, you can't back water on this. The public distrusts our company enough as it is!
be backed into a corner
To be forced into a difficult or unpleasant situation that one cannot easily resolve or escape. Scott has been backed into a corner with this mortgage payment that he cannot afford. When I was backed into a corner during the debate, I panicked and retracted several things I'd already said on the campaign trail. A lot of companies are being backed into a corner by these increasingly restrictive regulations.
piggyback off (of) (something)
To use something said or done by someone else as the foundation for one's own actions. A: "It's interesting the way Hemingway portrays Lady Brett Ashley doing things more traditionally associated with men, such as frequenting bars and having sex with various partners." B: "Absolutely. To piggyback off of what you're saying, I think the character can actually be read as a symbol of the feminist ideal of the New Woman." They're not really your friends—they're just trying to piggyback off your success so they can launch their own careers.
piggyback on(to) (something)
To use something said or done by someone else as the foundation for one's own actions. A: "It's interesting the way Hemingway portrays Lady Brett Ashley doing things more traditionally associated with men, such as frequenting bars and having sex with various partners." B: "Absolutely. To piggyback on what you're saying, I think the character can actually be read as a symbol of the feminist ideal of the New Woman." They're not really your friends—they're just trying to piggyback onto your success so they can launch their own careers.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
back and fill
Fig. to act indecisively; to change one's direction repeatedly; to reverse one's course. (Originally nautical, referring to trimming the sails so as to alternately fill them with wind and release the wind, in order to maneuver in a narrow space.) The president spent most of his speech backing and filling on the question of taxation. The other candidate was backing and filling on every issue, depending on whom she was addressing.
back away
(from someone or something) and back off (from someone or something) 1. Lit. to move backwards from a person or thing; to withdraw physically from someone or something. You should back away from the fire. Please back off from the man who is threatening you.
2. Fig. to begin to appear uninterested in someone or something; to withdraw one's interest from someone or something. The board of directors began to back away from the idea of taking over the rival company. Tom backed off from the whole idea of investing in stocks.
back down
(from someone or something) to yield to a person or a thing; to fail to carry through on a threat. Jane backed down from her position on the budget. It's probably better to back down from this situation; looks like you are at a disadvantage.
back down
(on something) to lessen or drop an earlier rigid position on something; to yield something in an argument. She backed down on her demands. In the end, she backed down.
back down (something)
to go down something backwards, such as a ladder or inclined driveway. Harry backed down the ladder safely. Looking behind him, he backed down slowly.
back off
(from someone or something) Go to back away (from someone or something).
back someone or something off (from something)
to guide or move someone or something a short distance from something. I backed the car off from the curb a tiny bit. Using signals, I backed the car off from the crushed bicycle.
back someone up
to provide someone with help in reserve; to support someone. Don't worry. I will back you up when you need me. Will you please back up Nancy over the weekend?
back something up
1. Lit. to drive a car backwards. Will you back your car up a little? I will back up the car.
2. Lit. to cause objects to obstruct a pathway or channel and cause a slowdown in the flow. The wreck backed the cars up for a long way. Some dead branches and leaves backed the sewer up.
3. Fig. to give additional support or evidence about something. (To support or strengthen the facts.) My story of the crime will back your story up. That backs up my story, all right.
back the wrong horse
Fig. to support someone or something that cannot win or succeed. I don't want to back the wrong horse, but it seems to me that Jed is the better candidate. Fred backed the wrong horse in the budget hearings.
back up
1. Lit. [for objects] to obstruct and accumulate in a pathway or channel. Something clogged the sewer and it backed up.
2. Fig. to refuse to go through with something; to back out (of something). Fred backed up at the last minute, leaving me to do the job alone.
back up (to something)
to go back to something said in a conversation. Wait—back up a little. What did you say that phone number was? Let's back up to what you just said and go over that point again.
back up (to something)
to go back to something said in a conversation. Wait—back up a little. What did you say that phone number was? Let's back up to what you just said and go over that point again.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
back and fill
Vacillate, be undecided, as in This measure will never be passed if the town meeting continues to back and fill. This term comes from sailing ships, where it signifies alternately backing and filling the sails, a method used when the wind is running against a ship in a narrow channel. The sail is hauled back against the wind and braced so that the tide or current carries the ship forward against the wind. Then the sail must be swung around and filled, to keep the ship on course. The term's figurative use for indecisiveness dates from the mid-1800s.
back away
1. Walk backward, as in He cautiously backed away from the fire.
2. Gradually retreat, withdraw, as in
Since he couldn't convince his colleagues, he's backing away from his original idea. Both usages employ the verb
back in the sense of "retreat," dating from the late 1400s. Also see
back down;
back out.
back down
1. Reverse one's upward course, descend. For example, When she saw the wasps' nest on the roof, she hastily backed down the ladder. This literal usage usually refers to something one has climbed, such as a ladder or mountain. [Mid-1800s]
2. Also,
back off. Retreat or yield. For example,
As the watchdog began to snarl the letter carrier backed off, or
You have a good point; now don't back down when you present it to the board. [First half of 1900s] Also see
back away, def. 2.
back off
2. Relent, abandon one's stand. For example, The chairman wanted to sell one division but later backed off. [Mid-1900s]
back the wrong horse
Also, bet on the wrong horse. Guess wrongly or misjudge a future outcome, as in Jones garnered only a few hundred votes; we obviously backed the wrong horse, or Counting on the price of IBM to rise sharply was betting on the wrong horse. Transferred from wagering money on a horse that fails to win the race, a usage dating from the late 1600s, this term is widely applied to elections and other situations of uncertain outcome.
back up
1. Move or drive a vehicle backward, as in He told her to back up into the garage. [First half of 1800s]
2. Bring or come to a standstill, as in The water had backed up in the drains, or The accident had backed up traffic for miles. [First half of 1800s]
3. Support or strengthen, as in The photos were backed up with heavy cardboard so they couldn't be bent, or I'll back up that statement of yours. [Second half of 1700s]
4. Duplicate a file or program so that the original is not lost. For example, Every computer manual warns you to back up your work frequently in case of a power outage or computer failure . [Second half of 1900s]
back water
Reverse a position, take back a statement, or otherwise retreat, as in We're sure that the senator will back water on raising taxes. This term literally refers to a vessel that moves backward in the water because its oars, paddles, or paddlewheel are reversed. It soon was transferred to other kinds of reversal. [Second half of 1700s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.